Tripping mechanism for revolving rakes



Jan. 29, 1952 R C, LARSEN 2,583,655

TRIPPING MECHANISM FOR REVOLVING RAKES Fled Oct. 3, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet l l', v. @lary/WMM? (U/2 INVENTOR.

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ATTD RN EYB Jan 29, 1952 R. c. LARSEN 2,583,655

TRIPPINQ MECHANISM FOR REvoLvING RAKES 4 Sheets-Sheetl 2 Filed Oct. 3, 1946 INVENTOR- jzzsslz a visera.

A'ITD RN EYB Jan. 29, 1952 R. c. LARSEN 2,583,655

TRIPPING MECHANISM FOR REVOLVING RAKES Filed Oct. 5, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Vw r if?, Z

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INVENTOR usseZZ @Zarsen ATTD RN EYE Jan. Z9, 1952 R LARSEN 2,583,655

TRIPPING MECHANISM FOR REVOLVING RAKES Filed oct. 5,1946 4 sheets-sheet 4 IN VEN T OR.

zwyelz Zarsen ATTE! RN EYB Patented Jan. 29, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRIPPING MECHANISM Fon REVOLVING RAKES My present invention relates generally to improvements in wheel-supported hay rakes of the vehicle-actuated, rear delivery type, and more specifically tothe tripping mechanism for revolving rakes that is mechanically and automatically operated for. controlling the gathering and delivery of windrows or bundles of hay as the implement is drawn by horse power, or by tractor power.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of an agricultural implement of this type which is simple in construction, durable, and facile in operation; which may be manipulated and maneuvered with convenience, and isfree to move backward when necessary. By the mechanically and automatically operated tripping mechanism the revolving rake is controlled to insure eciency and economy in its operations together with reliable and regular performance of its functions.

The invention consists broadly in certain novel combinations and arrangements in an implement of this type involving a revolving rake-head or axle having one or more rows of tines and vehicleactuated. and a stop-rotor rigid with the revolving axle, together with a spring-actuated detent mechanism mounted in the path of the rotor, whereby the axle is stopped with its row of tines in raking position, and means for releasing the loaded tines to deliver the gathered hay.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention wherein the parts are combined and arranged in accord with my invention; but it will be understood that changes and alterations'maybe made in these exemplifying drawings and mechanical structures, as depicted in the several modicationa within the scope of my claims without departing from the principles ofmy invention. Y

Figure l is a top plan view of a rake in which my invention is embodied; and Figure@ is a view in side elevation of the rake.

Figure 3 is a View in front elevationaof the implement.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view longitudinally of the implement, taken on line. 4 4 of` Figure 1.

Figure 5 is anV enlarged `detail sectional view taken on line 5--5 of Figure 1 showing part of the rake head or revolving axle, together with a stud shaft for one of the vehicle wheels, a clutch device, and part of the spring pressed tripping mechanism.

Figure 6 is a top plan view A4of `a modifledolim of the implement, wherein the implement is adapted to be drawn by a tractor, and in that the implement is provided with segmental wheels.

Figure '7 is a view in side elevation of the implement in Fig. 6, being propelled by a tractor, and having a modied form of tripping mechanism;

l Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view showing a side elevation of the rake as shown in Figure 7 with the side angles shown in section.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal section also on an enlarged scale illustrating a modified form of the spring detent, and taken on line 9--9 of Figure 6.

Figure l0 is a detail sectional view at line Ill-Ill of Fig. 9. l

In carrying out my invention as disclosed in the horse-drawn implement of Figs. l through 5 I employ a rectangular main frame II having a front extension 2, pilot wheels 3, and the driversv seat 4. Two traction wheels 5 and 6 support the frame, and each of the wheels is keyed upon a short stud shaft, as '1, which extends inwardly from its complementary wheel, and passes through a trunnion or bearing sleeve 8 having a retaining-collar recess to accommodate the collar 9 that is rigidly mounted on the stud shaft to prevent longitudinal displacement of the stud shaft.

The trunnions 8 project inwardly from the wheels and they are journaled to revolve in bearings II) mounted cn the end angle bars of the main frame I, a retaining collar II being providedon the trunnion for coni-ming it in its bearing.

By means of a central transversely extending axle I 2, which is somewhat Z-shape in cross section and fashionedwith ilanges I3 and I4, the two trunnions are rigidly united, as by means of bolts I5 that fasten the axle ends to complementary flanges I6 on the inner ends of the trunnions, and the angular axle supports two row of raking teeth or tines I1.

Each of the teeth or tines II in both rows are fashioned with a spring loop I8, and the looped inner end of each tooth or tine is attached, as by a bolt I9 to an attaching ange of the axle.

The two rows of tines orteeth are spaced apart through angles of one hundred and eighty degrees, and they are arranged diametrically opposite on the axle to revolve over and down and rearwardly and upwardly with a counterclockwise movement in Figs. 5 and 6, and longitudinally extending cleaning rods 251, which are attachedattheir ends to the front and rear cross bars of the main frame I., are interspersed between adjoining tines of the rows to clear the rake and clump a windrow or bunch of raked hay upon the ground.

By this arrangement of the two rows of tines or teeth, the revolving rake may intermittently be Stopped and held stationary with relation to the implement, while the traction wheels continue to' turn and rollover the ground,` with the lower or-under row of'tines in raking `position. Thus, as the horse drawn implement advances over the ground, the stopping of the rotary rake; and re-setting of the rows are .timed in relationl to a given distance of travel for a raking opf-A eration.

'Ihe rotary raking member with itstwo rows of teeth and its trunnions, is drivenarromcthe' traction wheels and 5 by means of a pair of clutches of suitable design, such for instance as- Vwheel-is keyed or otherwise secured upon the stud shaft l; the driven member 22 of theLclutch is rigidly Xed tov revolve with the trunnion 8 of the.raking .member; Aand the intermediate ball or balls co-,act with the members `to actuate the one-way; clutch, whichis autcmati'callydisengaged when the movement of the rotating rake is arrested.

Y For controlling the operationof the rotary rake a pedal actuated mechanism( is-locatedin position .for ready access by the foot of-:thedriver of theimplement occupying the seat tY and or this'purpose-a pedal lever 23 is xed on a transversely extending rock. shaft 25 that is .journaled inbearings 25 mounted on the frontrof: the main frame, with the ends of the rock shaft terminating at the opposite sides of the` frame.

f On the oppositeends of the rock shaft are xed,..rearwardly extending lever arms` 2%, each havingfa flattened `freeend having a. hole. to receive the upper end vof a bolt or link 21. The lower end of the link isV anchored to a: detent lever 28 that is pivoted at 29 on a suitablapart of the main frame l, and an expansion spring v3u iscoiled about the link and interposed.be.

tween the lever arm25 and the detent lever-.28, to urge the detent away from the leverarm.

A detent,-orstop, which may bein the form of a grooved roller 3l is journaled in a.- frame or lbracketV 32 rigidlyk mounted in adjustedifpositionupon the .detent lever, and'. "this fdetent=co acts, alternately, with a pair of notches ii'sand' 34 of `a vertically disposed,. ellipticalplate or cam 35 that performs --the functions ofa rotor andLforms a `'track for'the rollerl..

. One of the rotors Bs mountedat eaclr end of the rotary rake, and as shown Figi. @fthe rotor may .befrigidly bred. with thef` driven :clutch member 22 ofthe rake; or otherwise securedrto turn with the rake. The two notchesy 33` and; 3,4 are spaced one hundredandy eighty degrees apart and diametrically arranged with relation tothe detent so that the latter may stop the v-ro'taticn ofi the rake with one rowslo teeth' or-f til-resin raking position as indicated in Figs. 4 andf. Then, as the implement advances acrosstheeld this stationary lower row of teeth or tinesgathers' a bundle-of hay; the pedal 23 isl depress-edito lift the `detent` 3| from the pathof the-rotor; the' clutches automatically engagethe-rak'erandP 4 the rake turns with the wheels 5 and 6. The cleaning rods 20 dislodge the gathered bundle of hay from the rake, which bundle is dropped as a windrow, and the continued turn of the rake brings the second notch to the upper position. Before reaching its uppermost position,

or simultaneously with this movement of the 'Y notched rotor, the'depressed pedal is released,

Vandthe spring;,.30 throwsthe detent into the position -bytwo. diagonally extending.r arch `bars 3l, 3l, and additionatbraces 38, 39,'.whichzrigidly uniteathe' yoke with- .the frame:`

Apair rof=fspaced'..draft .links 4i. are 1 pivotally coupled. .at their L ends .tcn-.thev .tractoryandito the yoke, and a spring 4l may be employed truco-ne nect i thez frame and tractorv to absorb- Arelative movements Y.between :the: tractor :and :the: imple?` ment: trailingrbeh'irrd it...

By .powerzfronn afhydraulic lift;` orpother auxile iaryv (not shown); 1 oi.` the rztractorr .together,;;wi.th operating ilink `42fiarrdtrotary: llever--AlnLFige ,7, theitractorfmaypbe *employed to rlift. the rake. and swingt. it forwardly' and-t` upwardly: out r. of opere ativeposition; l

In". this modiifled;V form; of fthe; inventiomfseg-4 mental or mutilated wheels are..substituted:for the. circular-i wheels;` and indicated: .two :diametrically` arranged. segmentalv or; arcuate-:rims 4t, ,with -lspokes and: hubs: 45r constitute. each wheelr that :isekeyed :on-` one: of zthe stud, axlesrl andfnthe-a rakenzhead. or.; axle llfis: drivenby, the. clutch 2|.-"-22..

The detent roller .'31, which-.'co-acts. wit-hthe rotor and; dtsznotchesi'33,.v 34'; is journaledintthe i'orkedienctof a:detentfarrrrv 45 lthatfis--pivotedon'- the mainrame at. 29,; and the'spring Silfanchored` at'its endszto the detent arm anda fixedsupport on. the frame.: respectively,r tends@V to; resiliently hold.: the roller.v.3.l..in frictionalfrolling; contact with ,the .edge of thefrevolving;stop-rotor.35;;

As f shownin. Figt, .7.- the segmental fwheelsfhave rolledfoutrocontact withvthe ground-and the implement fissupportedywithl the lower` row of tinesV or teeth' in rakingrposition and draggingon.. the rground, ,the trip mechanism beingz effective to hold the rake stationary-with respecteto the implement... As thevehi'cle advances-ithehay is gathered .by the Vrowfof .teeth and accumulates in a bundle beneath the cleaner rods-20,: until 'the pressureofthel hay-loadtreaches a,,degree at which the resiliently held roller 3l isipushed." upwardly,- against tension` ofl spring 36h-,along and over; the cam-notch-33, thus.: releasing.u the detained rake. The continuing load-pressureeofthewaccumulating: bundle'alsof forces the rowf ofv rake teeth to dischargezthe:windrow-ot hay upon the .ground-.at .thetrear of the -implementand the continued turning: of the `rake Vheador axle results in engagementtof-fthe.driving; clutch-'or clutches of the traction wheels. Thezsegmental. wheels nowftake lupvthe .load :of: the? implement with a rolling movement and the revolving rake and Wheels are turned through an angle of one hundred and eighty degrees to bring the notch 34 into engagement with the detent roller 3l for a succeeding raking operation by the second row of teeth.

In the further modified form of the invention in Figs. 9 and 10 another tractor-towed implement is shown with a change in the construction and operation of the spring detent, where the roller 3l is journaled in a vertically suspended lever 4l that is pivoted at 48 on one of the arch braces 38, and an operating pull-link 49 is provided with a coupling eye 50 at the front of the implement for connection to a manually controlled pull device (not shown) of the tractor. The link 49 is slidably supported in a fixed bearing bracket 5|, and spring 52 coiled about the link tends to resiliently hold the roller 3| in rolling contact with the edge of the stop-rotor 35. The under row of teeth is held in raking position by co-action of the roller and one of the notches 33, 34, and the revolving rake is released, manually, by a pull on link 49.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a hay rake, the combination which comprises a substantially horizontally disposed rectangular shaped frame having side and end bars, a transversely disposed horizontally positioned axle having diametrically opposed tines thereon positioned in the frame, stub shafts extended from the ends of the axle, bearings rotatably mounting the said stub shafts in the side bars of the frame, diametrically opposed arcuate segments journalled on the outer ends of the stub shafts positioned to frictionally engage the ground over which the rake is traveling for turning the axle and tines, cams having diametrically if" opposed stop notches therein mounted on said stub shafts, rollers pivotally mounted on the side bars of the frame and positioned to travel on the said cams for engaging the said stop notches to 6 retainthe tines of the rake in raking positions, and means manually releasing the said rollers from the said lstop notches whereby the tines are actuated to dump the hay raked thereby by the Weight of the hay and to set the diametrically opposed tines in raking position.

2. In a hay rake, the combination which comprises a substantially horizontally disposed rectangular shaped frame having side and end bars, a transversely disposed horizontally positioned axle having diametrically opposed tines thereon positioned in the frame, stub shafts extended from the ends of the axle bearings rotatably mounting the said stub shafts in the side bars of the frame, diametrically opposed arcuate segments journalled on the outer ends of the stub shafts positioned to frctionally enga-ge the ground over which the rake is traveling for turning the axle and tines, cams having diametrically opposed stop notches therein mounted on said stub shafts, rollers pivotally mounted on the side bars of the frame and positioned to travel on the said cams for engaging the said stop notches to retain the tines of the rake in raking positions, and means manually releasing the said rollers from the said stop notches whereby the tines are actuated to dump the hay raked thereby by the said segments which also set the diametrically opposed tines in the raking position.

RUSSELL C. LARSEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 174,113 Brown Feb. 29, 1876 325,511 Donnell Sept. l, 1885 538,530 Lunday Apr. 30, 1895 855,686 Bacon June 4, 1907 1,502,507 Link July 22, 1924 2,436,245 Bloom Feb. 17, 1948 2,472,953 Meyer June 14, 1949 

